ABOUT THIS ALBUM

Album Notes

This CD was the GO! Choice for Best Local Release of the Year in Southern Colorado in 2002. (There were allegedly 3 other CD's released in the region that year, 2 children's albums and a Rap version of Neil Diamond's Greatest Hits.) Still, it's an honor I think to be noticed in any market, especially a market which tends to ignore songwriters of any genre except country.

Bill Reed Music Critic for the Colorado Springs Gazette says of the CD: "The songs on "One Down, One Across" feel as if they've been placed together by a master carpenter. Integrity, pride and attention to craft is evident on every track. Uveges dips into folk, bluegrass, blues, spoken work, sexy jams and adult contemporary, but always present is his crystalline voice, quality musicianship and good writing. . . The album is good the first time you listen, but it grows into great by the 10th spin."

The first cut, "Little Break", is a true story about a tense police standoff that takes a beautiful and unexpected turn. I was told this story about 1992 and I believe the town where this happenned was near Butte, Montana. Maybe this kind of thing only happens in small towns, but it is a story worthy of repeating in all communities. This song was circulated by Parent to Parent Colorado after a police shooting in Denver in 2003 in which a developmentally disabled 15 year old was shot in a police stand-off.

"You Will Learn" is a song dedicated to Mary Magdelene (not about her) with the acknowledgement that no matter where you are in life, there is the possibility of grace flowing through you...

"One Down, One Across" is a sweet little number for crossword puzzlers' the world around. It is filled with fun allusions to crossword puzzler idiosyncracies (Sunday morning NYTimes, working it with a pen, etc.) and was inspired by a cousin who creates crossword puzzles for people. www.personalpuzzles.com

"On and On" has gotten the most attention from listeners which just goes to prove that love songs still pull people in. I believe, as Carl Jung says, that all love songs are songs truly written to your soul. (Of course I thought I was writing this one to my wife. . .and so did she.)

"Houseplants" is probably my personal favorite, and was picked up by Goodnight Kiss Music as part of a compilation disc on addictions. It is one of the most beautiful, strangely compelling addiction songs I've heard. More to come....

"Delilah" is a truly bluegrass little number that is in effect how things might have turned out differently for Sampson (he's the storyteller) if she had "almost cut my hair". One of my friends here maintains that this song is really about "...all the things women do to try to change you." Hey, whatever...

"Only Men Dancing" is NOT about gay men dancing although if it was I would be OK with it.(smile) It is a performance poetry piece that I'm often requested to play in concert situations. I wrote it after listening to an interview with the leader of a Cuban band on NPR back in 1995 or so. He said that in Cuba there is a certain genre of music that mimics the sound of the threshing machine, and when that music is played, only the men get up and dance. I was dumbfounded by the notion that a culture might honor men doing manual labor together AND that they would honor them by dedicating an entire style of dance to them.

"Little Calendar" is a jam band song which started as jam with my partner Steve Hoke. We cut it live as a duo and his lead playing was so inspired I couldn't stop the song. I had a housewife in Indiana tell me she listens to it over and over because the jam is so compelling. . .as is the subject topic. . .at least for her. I hope her husband takes it to heart. It is dedicated to a very male topic which I don't need to explain. Women, listen up. . .

"Plowboy" is the same song as "Little Calendar" when it all gets down to it. . . just said a "little different."

If you want more details on "me", you can check out my other CD "Promise of Portage" which is also available on cdbaby.

"One Down, One Across" calls me back again and again to explore new depths within the songs each time I listen. Not only does it showcase Joe's musical and songwriting skills through a variety of styles, but there is a depth to his music that touches on love and life and all its intricacies. I am particularly drawn to the songs “On and On”, “Gift of Living Love”, “Perfection” and “When I Listen Deep” which all move my soul. But as I write that verses from different songs are also popping into my head. Joe crafts an album that grows on you more and more with every listen.

It's been raining non-stop and I am still happy -- listening to the new CD from Joe. We used to frequent his live shows in C.S., and so it was like a visit from an old friend -- and a great way to while away a stormy day! Still listening and loving these musical stories! Thx Joe!

I've been listening to Joe's other CDs for the past few months -- now that I've added this one to my collection I'm loving it equally well. The only thing better than hearing the songs on this CD is hearing them in person. If you can get to one of Joe's concerts it's worth every moment.